diddi dance

diddi dance wins at EWIF awards

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Our very own diddi dance Founder Anne-Marie Martin was yesterday awarded the highest accolade at the EWIF awards 2019 – Inspirational Woman Franchisor 2019, sponsored by Little Voices.

We are delighted to be celebrating this most prestigious of awards for Anne-Marie at diddi dance HQ.

Anne-Marie was awarded the title at the EWIF ceremony yesterday, due to a hugely successful year last year, both as a franchisor, for her brand and network, and personally. This included delivering talks at local women’s networking events, sharing her experiences at franchising events, and inspiring the next generation at local schools, advocating franchising at every opportunity.

Improvements to the franchisee training and ongoing support, has seen the network feeling more motivated and empowered with even more webinars, face-to-face meetings, and forums. As a result, based on franchisee satisfaction, the franchise has been awarded 5* status for five years in a row. Whilst overall turnover increased, right across the network.

 

We also give huge congratulations to our franchisee Charlotte Foxley who runs diddi dance North Essex and South Suffolk, for winning Woman Franchisee of the Year 2019, Sponsored by McDonalds.

Charlotte runs a team of six teachers who cover 20 classes a week and works with several nurseries and special needs schools delivering diddi dance. Charlotte’s business is the first diddi dance franchisee to complete the Para Dance Instructor qualification in July.

And a massive well done to Emily Norman who runs diddi dance Bristol, for making it as a finalist in her category of  Young Woman in Franchising, a brilliant achievement.

We’re so proud of all of our diddi finalists and winners!

 

 

 

 

 

diddi dance nominated for What On 4 Kids Awards 2019

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diddi dance are excited to say we have been nominated for two What’s On 4 Kids Awards 2019 in the following categories:

Most Loved Music, Dance or Performing Arts Activity – Franchisor or Independent Taught By 30+ Leaders
Most Loved Party Activity – with 40+ Leaders Overall

These awards celebrate the UK’s biggest brands in the world of kids’ activities, the nations most talented teachers and class leaders, the most amazing volunteers and best party people – as nominated and voted for by the experts – parents, carers and parents-to-be.

If you can spare a minute please vote for us then wish us luck for a win!

Closing date for voting is 12 noon on 24th June 2019.

All About diddi dance Reading & Wokingham

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diddi dance Franchisee Andrea who runs diddi dance Reading & Wokingham recently became the 6th diddi dance franchise to be fully accredited by the Children’s Activity Association. To read all about her recent achievement just click here.

Because of this success, we at diddi dance wanted to take the time to tell you all about Andrea and diddi dance Reading & Wokinham here!

How long have you been with diddi dance?

I launched my first class in January 2014 – so I’m now well into my sixth year.

What did you do before joining diddi dance?

After completing a degree in Sports Science, I started out working as a Lifestyle Consultant in a Health Club, where I also taught Exercise to Music classes. I then moved on to Leisure Centre, and finally, Sports Park management where I also completed a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (Sports Management) by distance learning. After about a decade I fancied a change from operational work and took on the role of Account Manager at a specialist Sports/Fitness Public Relations agency. My clients here included Life Fitness, Leisure Connection, DC Leisure and Lifetime Training. I continued working at Promote PR until my second child was born in 2010.
Over the years I’ve participated in many different dance disciplines from Ballroom to Belly to Bollywood! My major interest, since the age of three, has been Highland dancing. Following my competitive career, the pinnacle of which was winning the English Championships, I began dancing professionally (on a part-time basis whilst studying). I was lucky enough to perform in cabaret at many top London hotels, with engagements further afield including tours of Japan, Sicily and Spain.

What do you love most about diddi dance and running your own business?

I believe that in order to make any business successful, you need to be passionate about your product or service – and dance is my passion. Quite simply – I love dancing and moving to music! I think dance is one of the best ways to keep fit, healthy and happy. As a child I used to spend hours dancing around my dining room to my dad’s records and I love that I now get to do this as my full-time job! I honestly believe that the role of diddi dance franchisee was made for me – as I get to combine my love of dance with the knowledge and experience of business management I’ve gained over the years. And it’s fantastic to have the opportunity to share my joy and enthusiasm for dancing with hundreds of young children and to help inspire them to get moving!

What has been the best thing that has happened to you because of diddi dance?

Whilst it’s been hard work, it’s also been incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally. I think it would be fair to say that diddi dance gave me back a real sense of purpose, self-worth, confidence and control – all things that I feel I lost somewhere along the line between being a full time employee and becoming a ‘stay at home’ mum.
It’s always amazing, and humbling, to witness how much of an impact you’ve had on your little students’ lives. I love seeing children blossom in class from shy little toddlers, clinging to mum; to confident young children – happy to show off their funky moves at the front of the class! And it’s always really special to hear parents telling you that their child has named their favourite cuddly toy after you; or doesn’t stop talking about diddi dance all week; or gallops their way down the aisle in Sainsbury’s; or pretends to be you – calling the register for their dolls; or makes their vegetables at tea time do the ‘Circle Dance’ around their plate! All these things are simply priceless.

What has been a highlight for you since taking on your diddi dance?

I think attending the launch event for the Reading Children’s Festival again last year and having so many previous and current diddi dancers and parents seek me out and tell me how much they love diddi dance, or how much their little one gets/got from the classes, or how great they think one of my teachers is – has to be a real highlight. Not least because it represents the huge journey I’ve taken… From the first time I attended the event (five years ago) – when I could barely get anyone to even take a flyer from me! But perseverance pays and year by year, as the company has grown, I’ve gone from being largely ignored that first year, to feeling like a bit of a minor celebrity five years down the line!

What is something you are looking forward to as you continue with your diddi dance franchise?

I really enjoy all aspects of running the business. I get a real buzz from the practical teaching side, but I also love the marketing, financial management, business planning, HR management, accounting and even the administration! I’ve got a very clear plan of what I want to achieve this year and what direction I want the business to go in, so I’m looking forward to working towards my goals and objectives and continuing to grow.

What do you enjoy most about your diddi dance?

It’s very hard to beat the magical feeling you get when you have a class full of toddlers all giggling at your silly antics and you know you’ve got them completely engaged and absorbed in the activity!

What do you enjoy most about being your own Boss?

I’m quite self-motivated and hard working so I really like the fact that “you get out what you put in” when you’re running your own business. I’ve been able to achieve a (fairly) healthy work/life balance and can work my hours around what’s best for my family. Having ultimate control over the growth of the business has been great and I love that I’ve had the opportunity to scale it up as my children have become a little more independent and my available work hours have increased.

What does the CAA accreditation mean to you?

I always set myself and my team the highest of standards, as I truly believe that “if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well!” I pride myself on the quality of service I provide my customers and, wherever possible, I try to exceed their expectations, so it means a lot to be awarded Gold accreditation from the CAA. With so many toddler classes around today, I believe it’s really important for parents to have the peace of mind that the activity they’ve chosen is setting the benchmark for quality control in all aspects of the business.

And finally, what is your favourite diddi dance theme and why?

For me, variety is the spice of life, so each time a new theme begins, it feels like my new favourite! (Having 16 different dance styles to work through is one of the things I love best about diddi dance.) But if I really have to choose one, I would go for the Jive – I love the full on energy and commitment required and the sheer joy that you can’t help feeling when you’re kicking and flicking! And the ‘Dinnertime’ track used for the Jive is toe-tappingly brilliant!

 

diddi dance Reading & Wokingham currently has multiple classes running across their exclusive area. They are as follows:

Mondays

  • 9.30am at Caversham Heights Methodist Church, 74 Highmoor Road, RG4 7BG
  • 10am at Emmanuel Church Centre, Southlake Crescent, Woodley, RG5 3QW

Tuesdays

  • 10am at Lord Harris Court, Mole Road, Sindlesham, RG41 5EA (inter-generational class)
  • 10am at St Luke’s Parish Hall, Erleigh Road, Reading, RG1 5QY
  • 1.45pm at Tilehurst Methodist Church, 26 School Road, RG31 5AN

Wednesdays

  • 10am at St Barnabas Church Hall, Elm Road, Earley, RG6 5TS
  • 1.45pm at Wokingham Community Centre, 35 Reading Road, RG41 1EG

Thursdays

  • 10am at Wokingham Community Centre, 35 Reading Road, RG41 1EG

Fridays

  • 10am at Reading YMCA, (Sports Hall), 34 Parkside Road, RG30 2DD
  • 1.45pm at Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green, RG2 9EH

Saturdays

  • 9am & 10am at Radstock Community Centre, Radstock Lane, Lower Earley, RG6 5UZ
  • 9am & 10am at Coronation Hall, Headley Road, Woodley, RG5 4JB

diddi dance Reading & Wokingham receives CAA Gold Accreditation

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The team at diddi dance, the brand behind the much loved preschool dance classes, are extremely proud to announce their franchise diddi dance Reading & Wokingham has achieved Gold accreditation from the Children’s Activities Association (CAA). The CAA is the only not-for-profit, industry-led association to set and raise standards in all organised children’s activities across the UK and this achievement clearly showcases the team at diddi dance Reading & Wokingham’s passion for excellence.

Set-up by leading industry experts in 2015, including diddi dance Founder Anne-Marie Martin, the establishment of the CAA (a Community Interest Company) has revolutionised the children’s activities sector. After Anne-Marie completed the accreditation process for diddi dance in 2016, she decided to offer the same accreditation to each diddi dance Franchise. This past month Anne-Marie & diddi dance were thrilled to personally accredit franchisee Andrea Bickford and her franchise diddi dance Reading & Wokingham.

Over 200,000 children a week now attend a CAA member activity and it is a truly fantastic endorsement for diddi dance Reading & Wokingham to be part of this ground-breaking national initiative. Andrea’s commitment to achieving Gold for her franchise shows her dedication to demonstrate to her industry peers and her fellow diddi dance franchisees that she excels at what she does as well as giving her parents the reassurance they deserve when selecting the best classes for their little ones.

Andrea opened diddi dance Reading & Wokingam in January 2014 and now runs numerous classes in the area, and has gone on to grow it into one of the most recognisable diddi dance brands in the nation, Becoming a Gold accredited member of the CAA is the latest achievement in the brand’s 6 year success story supporting dancing toddlers weekly.

It is staggering to learn that before the CAA, there was no national, independent association in the UK for the children’s activity sector as a whole. Through the development of the CAA Code of Practice and via their thorough accreditation, for the first time, parents can now easily make simple, informed decisions when choosing from the wealth of children’s activities out there. Just by asking whether the provider is a CAA member, a parent or carer can get reassurance on important issues such as insurance, health and safety, criminal record checks, training, qualifications, class content and much more.

As one parent said regarding the CAA –

With so many clubs and classes to choose from it’s so hard to know which are the best and what I should be asking when I leave my children in the care of a class leader. In the past I just wrongly assumed kids’ activities must have to be regulated. Knowing that the CAA has asked those important questions to help keep my child safe is fantastic – so now I just look for their logo!”

Having achieved Gold CAA accreditation means that diddi dance Reading & Wokingham has been independently verified as having met or exceeded all the necessary elements of the CAA Code of Practice. This accomplishment offers parents peace of mind when selecting an activity from the myriad of providers out there.

Anne-Marie, commented on the accreditation process and Andrea’s success:

“Using the CAA accreditation system to ensure all our franchisees are performing to not only our high standards but also a nationally recognised association too is so important to us. Andrea is a great asset to our franchise network, she is motivated, hard working and driven, and through her attention to detail its fantastic she has now been awarded her gold accreditation”.

Adding to this Andrea of diddi dance Reading & Wokingham said:

“I always set myself and my team the highest of standards, as I truly believe that “if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well!” I pride myself on the quality of service I provide my customers and, wherever possible, I try to exceed their expectations, so it means a lot to be awarded Gold accreditation from the CAA. With so many toddler classes around today, I believe it’s really important for parents to have the peace of mind that the activity they’ve chosen is setting the benchmark for quality control in all aspects of the business”.

Congratulations again to Andrea and her franchise. If you would like more information about diddi dance Reading & Wokingham visit the Facebook page here or read all about them by clicking here

diddi celebrates EWIF finalists announced 2019

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The EWIF (Encouraging Women Into Franchising) Awards 2019 finalists have been announced!

We are extremely proud that our very own Anne-Marie Martin, founder of the diddi dance franchise, has been selected as one of only three finalists for the highly prestigious EWIF Inspirational Woman Award 2019 sponsored by Little Voices.

On being nominated, Founder of diddi dance, Anne-Marie Martin said,

“To have been selected as a finalist in this most prestigious of EWIF’s awards, in the Inspirational Woman of the Year 2019 category, is truly an honour. I am hugely proud of our diddi dance journey and where we have come in 16 years of franchising, in supporting women to create their own work/life balance running a business as part of the diddi dance family. To have our hard work recognised by EWIF is a real tribute to our success as a franchise”

 

In addition, two of our own diddi dance franchisees have also been announced as finalists in their categories – Charlotte Foxley who runs North Essex & South Suffolk,  is amongst five finalists for the title of Woman Franchisee of the Year 2019 sponsored by McDonald’s Restaurants and Emily Norman who runs Bristol, is one of three selected finalists for Young Woman in Franchising of the Year 2019 (Under 30) sponsored by Darwin Gray. Here’s what they both say on their nomination:

Charlotte Foxley, finalist for Woman Franchisee of the Year 2019, said,

“I feel extremely honoured to have been selected as a finalist in this category and to have the hard work that I’ve put in to build my diddi dance franchise during 2018 recognised in this competitive field by EWIF”

 

 

 

Emily Norman, finalist for Young Woman in Franchising (Under 30) 2019, said,

“I am very excited for this year’s awards and feel very proud to have made it as a finalist in this category by EWIF. To achieve recognition as a young diddi dance franchisee within a male dominated industry by a prestigious awards body is a great honour”

 

 

We are exceptionally proud of our diddi dance finalists and applaud the hard work they have all put in throughout 2018 to reach this point. We wish them all the best of luck for the EWIF Awards 2019, which will be held this year on Wednesday 1st May.

What’s On 4 Kids 2019 Awards are now open

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The What’s On 4 Kids 2019 Awards are open for nominations!

We would love if you could spare a moment to nominate diddi dance as a company and put your reasons in the box provided by visiting here

What’s On 4 Kids UK  – Children’s Activities, a site where you can search for local activities, classes, groups and events for kids, children and babies. You can find hundreds of fun things to do with your children and family.

We thank you for your continued support 🙂

diddi dance nominated for a Club Hub Award 2019

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diddi dance are excited to announce we’ve been nominated for the Club Hub Awards 2019 in the following categories:

  Franchise of the Year
  Leader of the Year

Club Hub is an award winning kids directory on children’s activities all over the UK and these awards celebrate the UK’s best children’s clubs and classes, along with leaders and volunteers, party providers, places and activity-based products for children – as nominated and voted for by the experts – parents, carers and parents-to-be.

The more nominations we receive the more likely we are to become a finalist so if you can spare a minute please nominate us then wish us luck 

 

diddi dance Wins Awards for Best Childhood Dance Classes

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SME News Announces the Winners of the 2018 UK Enterprise Awards and diddi dance is one of them!

toddler early years dance class award winning

We are thrilled with the news that this year we have been awarded Best Early Childhood Dance Classes. The 2018 UK Enterprise Awards showcase the very best businesses from across the UK’s corporate landscape.

Jessie Wilson, Awards Coordinator, discusses the success of this year’s programme:

“UK based enterprises are renowned for their diversity and ability to progress through tough times. As we turn our backs on the recession it is now more important than ever to seek out hard working, innovative and diverse business owners and offer them a platform to further succeed, and as such it is my pleasure to announce the publication of this year’s awards. Congratulations to all of my winners; you have each exhibited determination, passion and a will to succeed which I hope continues into the future.”

Founder of diddi dance, Anne-Marie, said of the win:

“At diddi dance we are really honoured to have won this award. It always makes us feel proud to gain industry recognition for our business. I feel the reason for our success is down to our passion. Not only do we love working with children, and seeing them develop, but also being able to offer other individuals a flexible working opporutnity

SME News prides itself on the validity of its awards and winners. The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition.

See all the other deserving winners in the winners supplement and find us on pg 70 or read our feature below.

diddi dance Franchisees win at 2018 Conference

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Earlier this month, 30 June & 1 July, diddi dance held its annual Conference where all franchisees come together to network, share best practice and take part in workshops & listen to presentations from industry experts to help them better their diddi dance business.

franchise franchisee conference business

A highlight of the conference for founder Anne-Marie, and we think the rest of the diddi dance network, is the diddi dance Awards which recognise those franchisees that are excelling in certain aspects of the business. Both a winner and highly commended are given in each award and here they are:

Anne-Marie commented on the awards:

We love doing our annual awards recognising those franchisees in our network that go above and beyond with their diddi dance. We find motivation and inspiration our fun awards invoke is of great benefit to the all the franchisees and really helps them drive their business over the next year. We can’t wait to see who wins next year!

Now we are pleased to announce the 2018 winners are…

franchisee award winningdiddi debutante for the fastest growing franchise from a franchisee who launched in 2017 (based upon overall business growth):

Highly Commended – Tatiana from diddi dance Oxford & Surrounding

Winner – Wendy from diddi dance South Glasgow, Kilmarnock, Ayr & Surrounding

franchisee award winningdiddi developer for the franchisee who has taken over a territory (through resale or transfer) and developed the business in all aspects:

Winner – Liz C from diddi dance South East Hampshire & Chichester

diddi diva for the biggest growth by a franchisee from June 2017 to May 2018:

Highly Commended – Anuschka from diddi dance North Londonfranchisee award winning

Winner – Emily from diddi dance Bristol

diddi dancer for the most enthusiastic and “en pointe” teacher as nominated by their franchisee:

Higly Commended – Sacha, who teaches for Emily from diddi dance Bristol
franchisee award winning
Winner – Natalie, who teaches for Lisa J from diddi dance West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, Tadley & Marlow

diddi discusser for the franchisee fully utilising and actively using social media & online resources to their best ability:

Winner – Lisa J from diddi dance West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, Tadley & Marlow

diddi doer for the franchisee with most innovative marketing & promotions:franchisee award winning

Highly Commended – Charlotte from diddi dance North Essex & South Suffolk

Winner – Caroline from diddi dance Swindon, Cirencester, Chippenham, Tetbury & Surrounding

diddi driver for the most motivated and driven franchisee doing their best to drive and progress their business:franchisee award winning

Highly Commended – Julia from diddi dance North & Central Leeds

Winner – Charlotte from diddi dance North Essex & South Suffolk

diddi dude for the franchisee that is most supportive and active amongst the network – as voted for by the other franchisees:
franchisee award winning
Highly Commended – Emily from diddi dance Bristol

Winner – Julia from diddi dance North & Central Leeds

diddi deliverer, a new award this year, for the franchisee who is running the best business overall:

Highly Commended – Emily from diddi dance Bristolfranchisee award winning

Winner – Emma H from diddi dance North Shropshire, Wrexham & North West Stoke-on-Trent

 

And lastly our biggest award each year is diddi dame which goes to a franchisee who has made an outstanding contribution to diddi dance in the last year:

Winner – Nicola B from diddi dance Lancester, Preston & Kendal

We couldn’t be more proud of our award winning franchisees. To book a place in one of their classes visit our FREE trial page today

diddi dance nominated in What’s On 4 Little Ones 2018

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diddi dance award nomination preschool toddler dance classesdiddi dance are excited to say we are nominated for two What’s On 4 Kids Awards 2018!

Best Franchised/Licensed Pre-Schooler Activity – 15 to 50 franchisees/licensees
Best Franchised/Licenced Children’s Party Entertainment or Supplier

These awards celebrate the UK’s best children’s clubs and classes, along with leaders and volunteers, party providers, places and activity-based products for children – as nominated and voted for by the experts – parents, carers and parents-to-be.

If you can spare a minute please vote for us then wish us luck for a win!

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